PLSC 210-Horticulture Science

Plant of the Week

Common Name: African Violet

Scientific Name: Saintpaulia ionantha

Family: Gesneriaceae

One of the most common flowering indoor plants,

African violet requires medium to high light

conditions. Keep the growing medium moist but not

wet. Avoid irrigating with cold water, since it will

form brownish ring spots on the foliage.

(September 26, 2008)

Production of African violet

Leaf-petiole cuttings or shoots of African violet are used for propagation. The

propagative materials grown in Costa Rica, Brazil, Keya, or other developing

countries and are exported to Europe and North America for production

The leaf-petiole cuttings are stuck in growing medium in pots for rooting

under mist or fogging. Plants root readily, grow, and flower within 2-3

months.

Culture of African violets using rolling benches in commercial greenhouses

Potted African violet plants are usually grown with sub-irrigation system such

as the capillary mat system shown here.

Transfer of plants from greenhouse to packing operation

Flowering African violet plants after packaging

African violet plants ready to be shipped to retail flower shops

Close-up of packaged African violet plants sold in retail shops